Ji Qiuchi, who had been abandoned in the villa, silently checked his balance. He went out and quietly bought a detached villa with a nice view. This area was still a residential community with many people around, but it was chosen specifically to conceal Ji Sheng’s existence.
To be honest, Ji Qiuchi found the taste of this house hard to agree with. There were pure white decorations everywhere; looking at the whole room for too long almost caused snow blindness.
Thus, he unceremoniously spent Zhao Xuan’s money to buy a new safe, a massive amount of life insurance, and a “point-something” amount of gold bars, until the card was maxed out.
Over on Zhao Xuan’s side, he thought Ji Sheng would be reflecting on his actions. Instead, several deduction SMS notifications from the supplementary card appeared. A cold sneer touched the corners of his mouth. Tch, he’s actually made progress; using this method to get my attention.
Before he could think further, a fourth message popped up, then a fifth… until finally, the last one showed the balance had been cleared to zero.
Zhao Xuan’s face darkened. He immediately called the bodyguards to ask about Ji Sheng’s situation.
“Mr. Ji bought a few houses and also purchased a lot of gold bars,” the bodyguard reported truthfully. In fact, he was the one who had driven him there.
“Put him on the phone,” Zhao Xuan ordered.
When the call connected, Ji Qiuchi arched an eyebrow. So, he couldn’t resist coming to demand an explanation already?
“Ji Sheng, what exactly are you doing?” Zhao Xuan’s voice was cold, suppressing his anger. “Why did you spend so much money?”
Over the years, Ji Sheng had rarely swiped his card. If it were Jiang Qing, he would only refuse. As expected, only Ji Sheng was this vulgar.
“Nothing, I was just… just a little unhappy,” Ji Qiuchi said.
“Forget it. You’ve used up your entire limit for this half of the year. I’ll send you more money in the second half. Stay behaved, otherwise, you know my methods,” Zhao Xuan said and hung up.
Ji Qiuchi rolled his eyes. Too stingy.
The original owner had been with him for so many years, after all. For a rich CEO of Zhao Xuan’s level, this amount of money was not even worth mentioning.
Of course, with Zhao Xuan’s personality, even if the two of them fell out, it had to be Zhao Xuan who discarded him first. He had to be the one to bring it up, and right now, Zhao Xuan hadn’t reached that point yet.
The reason Zhao Xuan quarreled with the original owner this time was simply because he found out the original owner was searching for news about Jiang Qing and expressed an intention to go to his first piano recital after returning to the country. He was worried the original owner would make a scene, which is why they had a huge fight.
Jiang Qing was now a top-tier piano performer in the country; his technique and emotion were unsurpassed by anyone. He was also very famous abroad, respected by people in the capitals of music. Zhao Xuan wanting the original owner to imitate Jiang Qing was truly making things difficult for him.
The original owner did not like Jiang Qing, nor did he like the piano; he held a grudge in his heart. Recently, because of this one matter, they had fought countless times.
If memory served correctly, Jiang Qing would return to the country today.
The original owner had seen Jiang Qing’s performances. In his memory, Jiang Qing was always as gentle as jade, elegant and exquisite. Standing in a white formal suit in the center of the stage, he seemed like the most dazzling lighthouse pearl at the center of the world a person Ji Sheng could never catch up to in a lifetime.
Wealthy aristocrats, television stations, and concert halls issued countless invitations with appearance fees that were almost astronomical. Jiang Qing’s family background and strength were in no way inferior to Zhao Xuan’s. The Jiang family was also a wealthy house, and he had two older brothers: one a business tycoon and the other a movie king in the entertainment industry.
Against such a perfect “White Moonlight,” it was no wonder the original owner lost. Perhaps the only advantage he had when comparing himself to the other was this face.
Ji Qiuchi, naturally, also understood the piano. The former Ji Qiuchi had studied piano for a lifetime in a certain world. His piano was passionate; it was wild.
His performance was a display of skill, unrestrained and bold. He was a madman and a genius who perfectly inherited the mantle of the “unrestrained school.”
Although he had no affinity for elegance, his performances captivated everyone, stimulating the nerves and adrenaline of the crowd. Relying on technique alone, he could make everyone surrender to him.
Wherever he performed, the atmosphere was always at its peak; some people even fainted directly from excitement. The younger generation loved his piano style the most.
Thinking about defeating Jiang Qing who was currently standing at the pinnacle in the field of piano made Ji Qiuchi feel a bit excited. He was eager to try. His interest in the White Moonlight was even greater than his interest in the scum man, Zhao Xuan.
In the original owner’s memory, a piece of cow dung like Zhao Xuan never had a chance to touch the fresh flower. Jiang Qing had never done anything wrong to the original owner; in fact, after finding out about this situation, he broke off relations with Zhao Xuan.
Instead, it was the original owner who treated him as an imaginary enemy until death.
Ji Qiuchi had his own way of completing missions, but he also understood that there was a reason why some original owners turned into cannon fodder; it was all the result of choices.
He had just said he hadn’t encountered a “romance brain,” and yet here he was, actually meeting one.
Through communication with the system, it seemed the original owner didn’t care at all about his father being cheated into gambling. He believed it was the result of his father wanting something for nothing, and his mother was also a burden.
By following his own heart to complete the mission, Ji Qiuchi suspected that this time he would most likely receive a complaint or a negative review from the original owner.
One could only say they were actually quite a match one willing to hit and the other willing to endure the blow.
However, regarding Zhao Xuan, Ji Qiuchi did not plan to let him off in this mission.
He never regarded himself as a savior or an adjudicator; to him, what he wanted to do was also his own choice.
Ji Qiuchi went to the second floor and saw a snow-white porcelain piano. Its price was very high; it was the gift Zhao Xuan originally intended to give to Jiang Qing.
Jiang Qing did not accept it. He had too many pianos. He only regarded Zhao Xuan as a childhood friend and a companion. In the early stages, Zhao Xuan indeed disguised himself very well.
It wasn’t until later, when Zhao Xuan’s schemes against Jiang Qing were exposed, that the two of them went their separate ways. Looking at it that way, Ji Sheng, who had been kicked out of the game long ago, was truly a scapegoat.
The piano had been tuned not long ago, and he hadn’t touched it for a long time. He planned to use the whole day today to get familiar with the feel of it.
What Ji Qiuchi didn’t know was that a certain person, following a tracking signal, was currently getting out of Zhao Xuan’s car and moving in right next door to this villa.
Jiang Qing heard the sound of the piano being played and was somewhat surprised. This familiar piano sound… Chi Chi still remembers?
Does he still remember the things from that world?
But… Ji Qiuchi clearly has no impression of his former self. Clearly, Chi Chi said he would carve the two words “Qi Ye” into the depths of his soul.
From the moment Zhao Xuan saw Jiang Qing move in next door to Ji Sheng, his whole person panicked. He had no time to pay attention to whether there was a piano sound or not.
He only spoke with some surprise: “You… you live here?”
“The environment here is quite good. I had someone buy it for me before I returned to the country, and I am very satisfied.”
Jiang Qing only looked toward the neighbor’s house from a distance, then entered the room, having absolutely no intention of letting the other person in for a cup of tea.
As for Ji Qiuchi, while he was playing well, the system suddenly broadcasted that the White Moonlight and Zhao Xuan were nearby.
Ji Qiuchi was stunned: “Zhao Xuan actually dares to let Jiang Qing know of my existence? He even brought the person back?”
“No, the White Moonlight is your neighbor! Zhao Xuan pestered him relentlessly and sent him back,” the system said.
“That coincidental?”
Ji Qiuchi was surprised. Is this scum man about to overturn his car? Not long after, his phone received a message from the other party.
2B: “Don’t go out casually lately. Stay home properly. If I find out you’ve met someone you shouldn’t meet, I won’t let you off.”
Ji Qiuchi silently replied with an obedient emoji, but his face showed a mocking expression: “…Heh, not allowed to meet? I insist on it.”
This warning the scum man must be feeling guilty. If it were the original owner, they would indeed hesitate, but Ji Qiuchi had no intention of listening obediently.
However, before he could go to see Jiang Qing, the other party came to his door holding small cookies.
“Hello, I am the resident who moved in today. We will be neighbors from now on. These are cookies I baked; I hope you like them.”
He wore his most perfect smile and brought the fragrant, sweet cookies over to greet Ji Qiuchi.
To tell the truth, Ji Qiuchi really had no way to dislike the other person. The cookies were exquisite, the person was easy on the eyes, and the other party spoke gently, as if one were bathing in the most comfortable breeze.
Even he couldn’t help but answer warmly: “It’s fine, no trouble at all.”
“When I moved in earlier, I seemed to hear the sound of your piano,” Jiang Qing smiled. “It was very beautiful. I am also a piano player.”
Ji Qiuchi was about to say something when a light flashed in his eyes. Since this White Moonlight had delivered himself to the door, it would be wrong not to do something.
Immediately, he spoke obediently: “I am a beginner. I practiced that segment for a long time. Although I have a teacher teaching me piano, I just can’t seem to learn it well.”
He pretended to look troubled. Jiang Qing’s smile deepened: “Perhaps I can help you take a look? I am actually a piano teacher.”
Ji Qiuchi: Hmm?
The White Moonlight is actually a piano teacher?
Ji Qiuchi was somewhat confused, but since he now planned to get on good terms with the other person to infuriate Zhao Xuan, he naturally didn’t think too much: “Then I’ll trouble you. I’ll treat you to dinner tonight.”
The White Moonlight’s piano lessons began. It was on the third day that Ji Qiuchi felt something was off, because Jiang Qing would always intentionally or unintentionally touch Ji Qiuchi’s fingers. Sometimes he would even wrap around him, leaning close to him to teach.
But whenever Ji Qiuchi looked over, the other party wore a very serious and focused expression.
Jiang Qing’s body smelled very good. Ji Qiuchi clicked his tongue and shook his head. If nothing else, this scum man had good vision.
He actually didn’t need the other person’s teaching at all, but the relationship between the two of them drew closer very rapidly because of the piano.
Ji Qiuchi did not reveal the fact that he knew the other was Zhao Xuan’s White Moonlight, and Jiang Qing also acted as if he were meeting Ji Qiuchi for the first time.
In just a few days, Ji Qiuchi had already started eating meals cooked by Jiang Qing.
“I also live alone. Sometimes making too much is a waste. I really like cooking for people. Does it taste good?” Jiang Qing asked.
“It’s delicious!” Ji Qiuchi nodded repeatedly.
Until the seventh day, Jiang Qing gave Ji Qiuchi a ticket to a concert hall. “I am about to hold a piano performance. If you are interested, you can come and see.”
Ji Qiuchi showed a look of admiration and envy: “I will definitely be there.”
Jiang Qing smiled: “You are very talented. I think you will also be able to perform in the future.”
In reality, if one wanted to enter their circle, it would be too difficult without someone to lead the way.
Unless one started from ordinary national competitions, until they were qualified to participate in national-level or world-level piano competitions, otherwise there was simply no chance.
Ji Qiuchi just smiled.
He returned to his room, unaware that Jiang Qing was holding the glass cup printed with his lip mark and pressing his own against it.
His eyes carried a sense of satisfaction. These past few days, every set of furniture was different. Ji Qiuchi only thought the White Moonlight was particular, but he never expected that a certain someone was simply building a nest with things he had used.
On this day, as luck would have it, Jiang Qing had just left when he bumped into Zhao Xuan, who was driving over. The bodyguards basically reported the itinerary to Zhao Xuan once a month, informing him of what had happened.
But Jiang Qing had only been back for a few days? How did he come out from Ji Sheng’s place?
Zhao Xuan’s face darkened. He burst through the door and grabbed Ji Qiuchi’s collar: “I told you to be well-behaved, didn’t I?”
“I didn’t deliberately provoke him. He was the one who came to say hello first. I also didn’t tell him about your matters,” Ji Qiuchi said dissatisfiedly.
Zhao Xuan stared at him fixedly, seemingly trying to discern if his words were true. “Your temper is getting bigger and bigger. Don’t associate with him anymore in the future. You appearing by his side is an insult to him.”
In the depths of his heart, he still looked down on this substitute, but he didn’t think he was in the wrong.
But in reality, the reason Ji Sheng was a substitute was because Zhao Xuan had molded him into one.
After Zhao Xuan left in a rage, thinking about what method to use to make Jiang Qing move, or if he should just move Ji Sheng away directly.
Once the other party left, Ji Qiuchi stopped pretending and rolled his eyes. “Idiot.”
The system immediately spoke up: “Zhao Xuan has warned you. Will the bodyguards stop letting him in?”
“The bodyguards he picked should know Jiang Qing. They probably won’t block him, but they will definitely report the situation next.” Ji Qiuchi said.
“Being a substitute is too suffocating. He doesn’t even treat the original owner like a person,” the system said unhappily.
“It doesn’t matter. I won’t listen to him. I see that the White Moonlight has strength and his family background is quite good. Asking him for help shouldn’t be a problem.”
Ji Qiuchi was considering that it was time to start, because with Zhao Xuan acting like this now, staying would only mean suffering.
That’s right, Ji Qiuchi not only wanted to get close to Jiang Qing but also intended to become good friends with him. The original owner ultimately died of suicide, and the direct cause was that scum man.
Jiang Qing continued to come over afterward, acting as if he knew nothing. Every time he would stay for a long period. He taught Ji Qiuchi piano, and the original piano teacher also discovered that he was making rapid progress; Ji Qiuchi didn’t hide it.
Until Jiang Qing’s recital began, Zhao Xuan, who was monitoring him and knew almost everything, confiscated his ticket.
His eyes carried disgust: “It seems you haven’t listened to a single word I said. No matter what scheme you have, I will not let you hurt Jiang Qing. Since you won’t listen to my warning, you can be responsible for your mother’s medical expenses yourself.”
Ji Sheng had no savings and simply couldn’t afford that much money. He would make Ji Sheng beg him.
Not only that, Zhao Xuan also forced him to use his phone to inform Jiang Qing that he couldn’t go because something had come up, in order to keep the other party’s emotions stable for the performance.
Ji Qiuchi watched him lead the people away. He similarly did not intend to affect Jiang Qing, only sending a message to inform Jiang Qing of his encounter after the other party finished the performance.
What he didn’t expect was that Jiang Qing sent a message immediately: “Can you come over now? Do you still want to hear my piano? I will play for you.”
Ji Qiuchi was surprised. It should have already ended by now.
System: “Are you going?”
Ji Qiuchi: “Yes.”
The bodyguards had finished their shift. At this time, there was absolutely no one watching him.
And so, Ji Qiuchi went to listen to a piano performance that belonged only to him. Those pieces performed that night, Jiang Qing played them all over again.